Playback Device Using Standby in a Media Playback System

ABSTRACT

Example embodiments involve a standby mode of a playback device. An example implementation involves a first playback device receiving, while an audio processing component of the first playback device is in standby, a first packet over a network. The audio processing component consumes relatively less power in standby compared with not operating in standby. In response to receiving the first packet, the first playback device exits standby, and enters a non-standby mode. Entering the non-standby mode enables the audio processing component of the first playback device. The first playback device also broadcasts over the network a second packet comprising a payload that is associated with a destination address. After receiving the first packet, the first playback device forwards packets to a second playback device. Once the first playback device is no longer forwarding the packets, the first playback device enters standby.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, and is acontinuation of, U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 16/042,551filed on Jul. 23, 2018, entitled “Playback Device Using Standby Mode ina Media Playback System,” which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety.

U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 16/042,551 claims priorityunder 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, and is a continuation of, U.S. non-provisionalapplication Ser. No. 14/950,233 filed on Nov. 24, 2015, entitled“Enabling Components of a Playback Device” and issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,031,716 on Jul. 24, 2018, which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 14/950,233 claims priorityunder 35 U.S.C. § 120 to, and is a continuation of, U.S. non-provisionalapplication Ser. No. 14/041,098 filed on Sep. 30, 2013, entitled “MediaPlayback System Using Standby Mode In A Mesh Network ” and issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,244,516 on Jan. 26, 2016, which is also incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure is related to consumer goods and, more particularly, tomethods, systems, products, features, services, and other items directedto media playback or some aspect thereof.

BACKGROUND

Digital music has become readily available due in part to thedevelopment of consumer level technology that has allowed people tolisten to digital music on a personal audio device. The consumer'sincreasing preference for digital audio has also resulted in theintegration of personal audio devices into PDAs, cellular phones, andother mobile devices. The portability of these mobile devices hasenabled people to take the music listening experience with them andoutside of the home. People have become able to consume digital music,like digital music files or even Internet radio, in the home through theuse of their computer or similar devices. Now there are many differentways to consume digital music, in addition to other digital contentincluding digital video and photos, stimulated in many ways byhigh-speed Internet access at home, mobile broadband Internet access,and the consumer's hunger for digital media.

Until recently, options for accessing and listening to digital audio inan out-loud setting were severely limited. In 2005, Sonos offered forsale its first digital audio system that enabled people to, among manyother things, access virtually unlimited sources of audio via one ormore networked connected zone players, dynamically group or ungroup zoneplayers upon command, wirelessly send the audio over a local networkamongst zone players, and play the digital audio out loud acrossmultiple zone players in synchrony. The Sonos system can be controlledby software applications running on network capable mobile devices andcomputers.

Given the insatiable appetite of consumers towards digital media, therecontinues to be a need to develop consumer technology thatrevolutionizes the way people access and consume digital media.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features, aspects, and advantages of the presently disclosed technologymay be better understood with regard to the following description,appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 shows an example configuration in which certain embodiments maybe practiced;

FIG. 2A shows an illustration of an example zone player having abuilt-in amplifier and transducers;

FIG. 2B shows an illustration of an example zone player having abuilt-in amplifier and connected to external speakers;

FIG. 2C shows an illustration of an example zone player connected to anA/V receiver and speakers;

FIG. 3 shows an illustration of an example controller;

FIG. 4 shows an internal functional block diagram of an example zoneplayer;

FIG. 5 shows an internal functional block diagram of an examplecontroller;

FIG. 6 shows an example playback queue configuration for a network mediasystem;

FIG. 7 shows an example ad-hoc playback network;

FIG. 8 shows a system including a plurality of networks including acloud-based network and at least one local playback network;

FIG. 9 shows an example flow diagram for waking media playback devicesfrom a standby mode in a point-to-point network with a wake-up packetassociated with a broadcast destination MAC address;

FIG. 10 shows an example illustration of a wake-up packet associatedwith a broadcast destination MAC address;

FIG. 11 shows an example flow diagram for putting media playback devicesin a standby mode;

FIG. 12 shows an example illustration of a mesh-networked media playbacksystem;

FIG. 13 shows an example flow diagram for waking media playback devicesfrom a standby mode in a point-to-point network with a wake-up packetassociated with a unicast destination MAC address;

FIG. 14 shows an example illustration of a wake-up packet associatedwith a unicast destination MAC address;

FIG. 15 shows an example flow diagram for adding media playback devicesto a proxy list.

In addition, the drawings are for the purpose of illustrating exampleembodiments, but it is understood that the inventions are not limited tothe arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION I. Overview

Embodiments described herein involve mechanisms to wake-up a mediaplayback device that is interconnected with other media playback devicesto form a networked media system from a standby mode using a networkmessage. For example, the network message, referred to hereafter as a“wake-up packet”, may be received by a media playback device, cause themedia playback device to exit a standby mode, and then be forwarded bythe media playback device to one or more additional media playbackdevices in the networked media system. In some embodiments, this processis repeated at additional media playback devices in the networked mediasystem so as to cause the additional devices to exit the standby mode.In other embodiments, the wake-up packet may cause only a single mediaplayback device, or a group of media playback devices, to wake-up fromthe standby mode. The embodiments described herein may thereby provide“wake” functionality for media playback devices in a network.

Wake-on-LAN (WOL) is a computer networking mechanism that allows adevice to be turned on or awakened by a network message sent by anotherdevice on the same local area network (LAN). The WOL mechanism is knownas Wake-on-Wireless (WoW) when the device being awakened iscommunicating over a wireless medium. As will be appreciated by thosehaving skill in the art, conventional WOL or WoW techniques require thatdevices within the network be directly reachable by the source of thenetwork message. When devices are configured in an ad-hoc or meshnetwork such that one or more indirect routes between devices existwithin the network, a different mechanism is needed.

In some embodiments, a networked media playback system may be configuredin an ad-hoc (or mesh) network, such that each media playback device mayparticipate in network routing with other media playback devices. Insome embodiments, the ad-hoc network may be configured as a layer-2 meshnetwork using a spanning tree protocol (STP) for network routing. Themesh network may comprise both wired and wireless links between devices,whereby one or more point-to-point routes exist between media playbackdevices. To prevent routing loops, conventional STP protocols generallyutilize non-direct routes instead of direct routes to supportcommunication between playback devices. Based on this STP protocol, anetworked media playback system may include one or more non-directroutes between media playback devices. For example, a source device thatis sending a wake-up packet to media playback device may be preventedfrom communicating directly with the media playback device because theroute between the source device and the media playback device is throughanother intermediary media playback device. Therefore, to send thewake-up packet to the media playback device, the source device maycommunicate via a non-direct route through the intermediary mediaplayback device.

Further, as described above, in some embodiments, the one or more mediaplayback devices may include a standby mode. In the standby mode, one ormore components of a media playback device may be disabled or put into asleep mode. For example, one embodiment of standby mode might involvedisabling an audio stage of the media playback device. As anotherexample, standby mode might involve putting a wireless network interfaceinto a sleep mode.

In some embodiments, the various device modes may include an activemode. In the active mode, one or more components of a media playbacksystem may be enabled or taken out of a sleep mode. For example, activemode might involve taking a processor out of a sleep mode.

In some embodiments, a wake-up packet may be sent as an IP broadcastmessage having a payload that may cause a media playback device towake-up from standby mode. In some embodiments, the payload may includea broadcast destination MAC address. The broadcast destination MACaddress may be used to target all devices within the networked mediaplayback system. This mechanism may be used to wake-up multiple deviceswithin the networked media playback system or a subset of devices basedon certain conditions. In other embodiments, the payload may include aunicast destination MAC address. This mechanism may be used to wake-up asingle media playback device and the media playback devices needed toform a playback path (i.e., a network path or route used to forwardaudio packets from an audio source to the single media playback device).

As indicated above, the present application involves mechanisms towake-up a media playback device from a standby mode using a networkmessage known as a wake-up packet, wherein the media playback device isinterconnected with other media playback devices to form a networkedmedia playback system. In one aspect, a method is provided. The methodinvolves receiving, by a first media playback device, while the firstmedia playback device is in a standby mode, a first wake-up packet thatincludes a first payload that is associated with a MAC broadcastaddress. In response to receiving the first wake-up packet, the methodfurther involves exiting, by the first media playback device, thestandby mode and entering an active mode, and broadcasting, by the firstmedia playback device a second wake-up packet that includes a secondpayload that is associated with the MAC broadcast address.

In another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable memory isprovided. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes aset of instructions for execution by a processor. The set ofinstructions, when executed, cause a first media playback device toreceive, by a first media playback device, while the first mediaplayback device is in a standby mode, a first wake-up packet thatincludes a first payload that is associated with a MAC broadcastaddress. In response to receiving the first wake-up packet, the set ofinstructions, when executed, further cause the first media playbackdevice to exit, by the first media playback device, the standby mode,and enter an active mode; and broadcast, by the first media playbackdevice, a second wake-up packet that includes a second payload that isassociated with the MAC broadcast address.

In a further aspect, a media playback device is provided. The deviceincludes a network interface, a processor, a data storage, and a programlogic stored in the data storage and executable by the processor toreceive, by the first media playback device, while the media playbackdevice is in a standby mode, a first wake-up packet that includes afirst payload that is associated with a MAC broadcast address. Inresponse to receiving the first wake-up packet, the program logic isfurther executable by the processor to exit, by the first media playbackdevice, the standby mode and enter an active mode, and broadcast, by thefirst media playback device, a second wake-up packet that includes asecond payload that is associated with the MAC broadcast address.

In yet another aspect, a media playback system is provided. The systemincludes a first media playback device and a second media playbackdevice. The first media playback device includes a network interface, aprocessor, a data storage and executable by the processor to receive, bythe first media playback device, while the media playback device is in astandby mode, a first wake-up packet that includes a first payload thatis associated with a MAC broadcast address. In response to receiving thefirst wake-up packet, the program logic is further executable by theprocessor to exit, by the first media playback device, the standby modeand enter an active mode, and broadcast, by the first media playbackdevice, a second wake-up packet that includes a second payload that isassociated with the MAC broadcast address.

In another aspect, a method is provided in a local area networkcomprising a plurality of devices, including at least a first mediaplayback device and a second media playback device. The method includesreceiving, by a first media playback device, while the first mediaplayback device is in a standby mode, a first wake-up packet thatincludes a first payload that is associated with a first MAC address. Inresponse to receiving the first wake-up packet, the method furtherincludes determining, by the first media playback device, whether thefirst MAC address is included in a list of MAC addresses maintained bythe first media playback device. When the first MAC address is includedin the list of MAC addresses, the method further includes exiting, bythe first media playback device, the standby mode, and entering anactive mode, and broadcasting, by the first media playback device, asecond wake-up packet that includes a second payload that is associatedwith the first MAC address.

In a further aspect, a non-transitory computer readable memory isprovided. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes aset of instructions for execution by a processor. The set ofinstructions, when executed, cause a first media playback device toreceive, by a first media playback device while the first media playbackdevice is in standby mode, a first wake-up packet that includes a firstpayload that is associated with a first MAC address. In response toreceiving the first wake-up packet, the set of instructions furthercause the first media playback device to determine, by the first mediaplayback device, whether the first MAC address is included in a list ofMAC addresses maintained by the first media playback device. When thefirst MAC address is included in the list of MAC addresses, the set ofinstructions further cause the first media playback device to exit, bythe first media playback device, the standby mode and enter an activemode, and broadcast, by the first media playback device, a secondwake-up packet that includes a second payload that is associated withthe first MAC address.

In yet another aspect, a media playback device is provided. The deviceincludes a network interface, a processor, a data storage, and a programlogic stored in the data storage and executable by the processor toreceive, by the first media playback device is in standby mode, a firstwake-up packet that includes a first payload that is associated with afirst MAC address. In response to receiving the first wake-up packet,the program logic is further executable by the processor to determine,by the first media playback device, whether the first MAC address isincluded in a list of MAC addresses maintained by the first mediaplayback device. When the first MAC address is included in the list ofMAC addresses, the program logic is further executable by the processorto exit, by the first media playback device, the standby mode and enteran active mode, and broadcast, by the first media playback device, asecond wake-up packet that includes a second payload that is associatedwith the MAC address.

In a further aspect, a media playback system is provided. The systemincludes a first media playback device and a second media playbackdevice. The first media playback device includes a network interface, aprocessor, a data storage and executable by the processor to receive, bythe first media playback device is in standby mode, a first wake-uppacket that includes a first payload that is associated with a first MACaddress. In response to receiving the first wake-up packet, the programlogic is further executable by the processor to determine, by the firstmedia playback device, whether the first MAC address is included in alist of MAC addresses maintained by the first media playback device.When the first MAC address is included in the list of MAC addresses, theprogram logic is further executable by the processor to exit, by thefirst media playback device, the standby mode and enter an active mode,and broadcast, by the first media playback device, a second wake-uppacket that includes a second payload that is associated with the MACaddress.

Other embodiments, as those discussed in the following and others as canbe appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art are alsopossible.

II. Example Operating Environment

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals can refer to likeparts throughout the figures, FIG. 1 shows an example media systemconfiguration 100 in which one or more embodiments disclosed herein canbe practiced or implemented.

By way of illustration, the media system configuration 100 is associatedwith a home having multiple zones, although it should be understood thatthe home could be configured with only one zone. Additionally, one ormore zones can be added to the configuration 100 over time. Each zonemay be assigned by a user to a different room or space, such as, forexample, an office, bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, dining room, familyroom, home theater room, utility or laundry room, and patio. A singlezone might also include multiple rooms or spaces if so configured. Withrespect to FIG. 1, one or more of zone players 102-124 are shown in eachrespective zone. Zone players 102-124, also referred to herein asplayback devices, multimedia units, speakers, players, and so on,provide audio, video, and/or audiovisual output. A controller 130 (e.g.,shown in the kitchen for purposes of this illustration) provides controlto the media system configuration 100. Controller 130 may be fixed to azone, or alternatively, mobile such that it can be moved about thezones. The media system configuration 100 may also include more than onecontroller 130, and additional controllers may be added to the systemover time.

The media system configuration 100 illustrates an example whole housemedia system, though it is understood that the technology describedherein is not limited to, among other things, its particular place ofapplication or to an expansive system like a whole house media system100 of FIG. 1.

a. Example Zone Players

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C show example types of zone players. Zone players200, 202, and 204 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, respectively, can correspondto any of the zone players 102-124 of FIG. 1, for example. In someembodiments, audio is reproduced using only a single zone player, suchas by a full-range player. In some embodiments, audio is reproducedusing two or more zone players, such as by using a combination offull-range players or a combination of full-range and specializedplayers. In some embodiments, zone players 200-204 may also be referredto as a “smart speaker,” because they contain processing capabilitiesbeyond the reproduction of audio, more of which is described below.

FIG. 2A illustrates a zone player 200 that includes sound producingequipment 208 capable of reproducing full-range sound. The sound maycome from an audio signal that is received and processed by zone player200 over a wired or wireless data network. Sound producing equipment 208includes one or more built-in amplifiers and one or more acoustictransducers (e.g., speakers). A built-in amplifier is described morebelow with respect to FIG. 4. A speaker or acoustic transducer caninclude, for example, any of a tweeter, a mid-range driver, a low-rangedriver, and a subwoofer. In some embodiments, zone player 200 can bestatically or dynamically configured to play stereophonic audio,monaural audio, or both. In some embodiments, zone player 200 may bedynamically configured to reproduce a subset of full-range sound, suchas when zone player 200 is grouped with other zone players to playstereophonic audio, monaural audio, and/or surround audio or when themedia content received by zone player 200 is less than full-range.

FIG. 2B illustrates zone player 202 that includes a built-in amplifierto power a set of detached speakers 210. A detached speaker can include,for example, any type of loudspeaker. Zone player 202 may be configuredto power one, two, or more separate loudspeakers. Zone player 202 may beconfigured to communicate an audio signal (e.g., right and left channelaudio or more channels depending on its configuration) to the detachedspeakers 210 via a wired path.

FIG. 2C illustrates zone player 204 that does not include a built-inamplifier, but is configured to communicate an audio signal, receivedover a data network, to an audio (or “audio/video”) receiver 214 withbuilt-in amplification.

Referring back to FIG. 1, in some embodiments, one, some, or all of thezone players 102 to 124 can retrieve audio directly from a source. Forexample, a particular zone player in a zone or zone group may beassigned to a playback queue (or “queue”). The playback queue containsinformation corresponding to zero or more audio items for playback bythe associated zone or zone group. The playback queue may be stored inmemory on a zone player or some other designated device. Each itemcontained in the playback queue may comprise a uniform resourceidentifier (URI) or some other identifier that can be used by the zoneplayer(s) to seek out and/or retrieve the audio items from theidentified audio source(s). Depending on the item, the audio sourcemight be found on the Internet (e.g., the cloud), locally from anotherdevice over the data network 128 (described further below), from thecontroller 130, stored on the zone player itself, or from an audiosource communicating directly to the zone player. In some embodiments,the zone player can reproduce the audio itself (e.g., play the audio),send the audio to another zone player for reproduction, or both wherethe audio is reproduced by the zone player as well as one or moreadditional zone players (possibly in synchrony). In some embodiments,the zone player may play a first audio content (or alternatively, maynot play the content at all), while sending a second, different audiocontent to another zone player(s) for reproduction. To the user, eachitem in a playback queue is represented on an interface of a controllerby an element such as a track name, album name, radio station name,playlist, or other some other representation. A user can populate theplayback queue with audio items of interest. The user may also modifyand clear the playback queue, if so desired.

By way of illustration, SONOS, Inc. of Santa Barbara, Calif. presentlyoffers for sale zone players referred to as a “PLAY:5,” “PLAY:3,”“PLAYBAR,” “CONNECT:AMP,” “CONNECT,” and “SUB.” Any other past, present,and/or future zone players can additionally or alternatively be used toimplement the zone players of example embodiments disclosed herein.Additionally, it is understood that a zone player is not limited to theparticular examples illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C or to the SONOSproduct offerings. For example, a zone player may include a wired orwireless headphone. In yet another example, a zone player might includea sound bar for television. In yet another example, a zone player mayinclude or interact with a docking station for an Apple iPod™ or similardevice.

b. Example Controllers

FIG. 3 illustrates an example wireless controller 300 in docking station302. By way of illustration, controller 300 may correspond tocontrolling device 130 of FIG. 1. Docking station 302, if provided orused, may provide power to the controller 300 and additionally maycharge a battery of controller 300. In some embodiments, controller 300may be provided with a touch screen 304 that allows a user to interactthrough touch with the controller 300, for example, to retrieve andnavigate a playlist of audio items, modify and/or clear the playbackqueue of one or more zone players, control other operations of one ormore zone players, and provide overall control of the systemconfiguration 100. In other embodiments, other input mechanisms such asvoice control may be used to interact with the controller 300. Incertain embodiments, any number of controllers can be used to controlthe system configuration 100. In some embodiments, there may be a limitset on the number of controllers that can control the systemconfiguration 100. The controllers might be wireless like wirelesscontroller 300 or wired to data network 128.

In some embodiments, if more than one controller is used in system 100of FIG. 1, each controller may be coordinated to display common content,and may all be dynamically updated to indicate changes made to thesystem 100 from a single controller. Coordination can occur, forinstance, by a controller periodically requesting a state variabledirectly or indirectly from one or more of the zone players; the statevariable may provide information about system 100, such as current zonegroup configuration, what is playing in one or more zones, volumelevels, and other items of interest. The state variable may be passedaround on data network 128 between zone players (and controllers, if sodesired) as needed or as often as programmed.

In addition, an application running on any network-enabled portabledevice, such as an iPhone™, iPad™, Android™ powered phone or tablet, orany other smart phone or network-enabled device can be used ascontroller 130. An application running on a laptop or desktop personalcomputer (PC) or Mac™ can also be used as controller 130. Suchcontrollers may connect to system 100 through an interface with datanetwork 128, a zone player, a wireless router, or using some otherconfigured connection path. Example controllers offered by Sonos, Inc.of Santa Barbara, Calif. include a “Controller 200,” “SONOS® CONTROL,”“SONOS® Controller for iPhone™,” “SONOS® Controller for iPad™,” “SONOS®Controller for Android™,” “SONOS® Controller for Mac™ or PC.”

c. Example Data Connection

Zone players 102-124 of FIG. 1 are coupled directly or indirectly to adata network, such as data network 128. Controller 130 may also becoupled directly or indirectly to data network 128 or individual zoneplayers. Data network 128 is represented by an octagon in the figure tostand out from other representative components. While data network 128is shown in a single location, it is understood that such a network isdistributed in and around system 100. Particularly, data network 128 canbe a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination of both wiredand wireless networks. In some embodiments, one or more of the zoneplayers 102-124 are wirelessly coupled to data network 128 based on aproprietary mesh network. In some embodiments, one or more of the zoneplayers are coupled to data network 128 using a centralized access pointsuch as a wired or wireless router. In some embodiments, one or more ofthe zone players 102-124 are coupled via a wire to data network 128using Ethernet or similar technology. In addition to the one or morezone players 102-124 connecting to data network 128, data network 128can further allow access to a wide area network, such as the Internet.

In some embodiments, connecting any of the zone players 102-124, or someother connecting device, to a broadband router, can create data network128. Other zone players 102-124 can then be added wired or wirelessly tothe data network 128. For example, a zone player (e.g., any of zoneplayers 102-124) can be added to the system configuration 100 by simplypressing a button on the zone player itself (or perform some otheraction), which enables a connection to be made to data network 128. Thebroadband router can be connected to an Internet Service Provider (ISP),for example. The broadband router can be used to form another datanetwork within the system configuration 100, which can be used in otherapplications (e.g., web surfing). Data network 128 can also be used inother applications, if so programmed. An example, second network mayimplement SONOSNET™ protocol, developed by SONOS, Inc. of Santa Barbara.SONOSNET™ represents a secure, AES-encrypted, peer-to-peer wireless meshnetwork. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the data network 128 isthe same network, such as a traditional wired or wireless network, usedfor other applications in the household.

d. Example Zone Configurations

A particular zone can contain one or more zone players. For example, thefamily room of FIG. 1 contains two zone players 106 and 108, while thekitchen is shown with one zone player 102. In another example, the hometheater room contains additional zone players to play audio from a 5.1channel or greater audio source (e.g., a movie encoded with 5.1 orgreater audio channels). In some embodiments, one can position a zoneplayer in a room or space and assign the zone player to a new orexisting zone via controller 130. As such, zones may be created,combined with another zone, removed, and given a specific name (e.g.,“Kitchen”), if so desired and programmed to do so with controller 130.Moreover, in some embodiments, zone configurations may be dynamicallychanged even after being configured using controller 130 or some othermechanism.

In some embodiments, a “bonded zone” contains two or more zone players,such as the two zone players 106 and 108 in the family room whereby thetwo zone players 106 and 108 can be configured to play the same audiosource in synchrony. In one example, the two zone players 106 and 108can be paired to play two separate sounds in left and right channels,for example. In other words, the stereo effects of a sound can bereproduced or enhanced through the two zone players 106 and 108, one forthe left sound and the other for the right sound. In another example twoor more zone players can be sonically consolidated to form a single,consolidated zone player. A consolidated zone player (though made up ofmultiple, separate devices) can be configured to process and reproducesound differently than an unconsolidated zone player or zone playersthat are paired, because a consolidated zone player has additionalspeaker drivers from which sound can be passed. The consolidated zoneplayer can further be paired with a single zone player or yet anotherconsolidated zone player. Each playback device of a consolidatedplayback device can be set in a consolidated mode, for example.

In certain embodiments, paired or consolidated zone players (alsoreferred to as “bonded zone players”) can play audio in synchrony withother zone players in the same or different zones.

According to some embodiments, one can continue to do any of: group,consolidate, and pair zone players, for example, until a desiredconfiguration is complete. The actions of grouping, consolidation, andpairing are preferably performed through a control interface, such asusing controller 130, and not by physically connecting and re-connectingspeaker wire, for example, to individual, discrete speakers to createdifferent configurations. As such, certain embodiments described hereinprovide a more flexible and dynamic platform through which soundreproduction can be offered to the end-user.

e. Example Audio Sources

In some embodiments, each zone can play from the same audio source asanother zone or each zone can play from a different audio source. Forexample, someone can be grilling on the patio and listening to jazzmusic via zone player 124, while someone is preparing food in thekitchen and listening to classical music via zone player 102. Further,someone can be in the office listening to the same jazz music via zoneplayer 110 that is playing on the patio via zone player 124. In someembodiments, the jazz music played via zone players 110 and 124 isplayed in synchrony. Synchronizing playback amongst zones allows for anindividual to pass through zones while seamlessly (or substantiallyseamlessly) listening to the audio. Further, zones can be put into a“party mode” such that all associated zones will play audio insynchrony.

Sources of audio content to be played by zone players 102-124 arenumerous. In some embodiments, audio on a zone player itself may beaccessed and played. In some embodiments, audio on a controller may beaccessed via the data network 128 and played. In some embodiments, musicfrom a personal library stored on a computer or networked-attachedstorage (NAS) may be accessed via the data network 128 and played. Insome embodiments, Internet radio stations, shows, and podcasts may beaccessed via the data network 128 and played. Music or cloud servicesthat let a user stream and/or download music and audio content may beaccessed via the data network 128 and played. Further, music may beobtained from traditional sources, such as a turntable or CD player, viaa line-in connection to a zone player, for example. Audio content mayalso be accessed using a different protocol, such as Airplay™, which isa wireless technology by Apple, Inc., for example. Audio contentreceived from one or more sources can be shared amongst the zone players102 to 124 via data network 128 and/or controller 130. Theabove-disclosed sources of audio content are referred to herein asnetwork-based audio information sources. However, network-based audioinformation sources are not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the example home theater zone players 116, 118, 120are coupled to an audio information source such as a television 132. Insome examples, the television 132 is used as a source of audio for thehome theater zone players 116, 118, 120, while in other examples audioinformation from the television 132 may be shared with any of the zoneplayers 102-124 in the audio system 100.

III. Example Zone Players

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown an example block diagram of azone player 400 in accordance with an embodiment. Zone player 400includes a network interface 402, a processor 408, a memory 410, one ormore device modules 414, an audio stage 424, including an audioprocessing component 412 and an audio amplifier 416, and a speaker unit418 coupled to the audio amplifier 416. FIG. 2A shows an exampleillustration of such a zone player. Other types of zone players may notinclude the speaker unit 418 (e.g., such as shown in FIG. 2B) or theaudio amplifier 416 (e.g., such as shown in FIG. 2C). Further, it iscontemplated that the zone player 400 can be integrated into anothercomponent. For example, the zone player 400 could be constructed as partof a television, lighting, or some other device for indoor or outdooruse.

In some embodiments, network interface 402 facilitates a data flowbetween zone player 400 and other devices on a data network 128. In someembodiments, in addition to getting audio from another zone player ordevice on data network 128, zone player 400 may access audio directlyfrom the audio source, such as over a wide area network or on the localnetwork. In some embodiments, the network interface 402 can furtherhandle the address part of each packet so that it gets to the rightdestination or intercepts packets destined for the zone player 400.Accordingly, in certain embodiments, each of the packets includes anInternet Protocol (IP)-based source address as well as an IP-baseddestination address.

In some embodiments, network interface 402 can include one or both of awireless interface 404 and a wired interface 406. The wireless interface404, also referred to as a radio frequency (RF) interface, providesnetwork interface functions for the zone player 400 to wirelesslycommunicate with other devices (e.g., other zone player(s), speaker(s),receiver(s), component(s) associated with the data network 128, and soon) in accordance with a communication protocol (e.g., any wirelessstandard including IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac,802.15, 4G mobile communication standard, and so on). Wireless interface404 may include one or more radios. To receive wireless signals and toprovide the wireless signals to the wireless interface 404 and totransmit wireless signals, the zone player 400 includes one or moreantennas 420. The wired interface 406 provides network interfacefunctions for the zone player 400 to communicate over a wire with otherdevices in accordance with a communication protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.3).In some embodiments, a zone player includes multiple wireless 404interfaces. In some embodiments, a zone player includes multiple wired406 interfaces. In some embodiments, a zone player includes both of theinterfaces 404 and 406. In some embodiments, a zone player 400 includesonly the wireless interface 404 or the wired interface 406.

In some embodiments, the processor 408 is a clock-driven electronicdevice that is configured to process input data according toinstructions stored in memory 410. The memory 410 is data storage thatcan be loaded with one or more software module(s) 414, which can beexecuted by the processor 408 to achieve certain tasks. In theillustrated embodiment, the memory 410 is a tangible machine-readablemedium storing instructions that can be executed by the processor 408.In some embodiments, a task might be for the zone player 400 to retrieveaudio data from another zone player or a device on a network (e.g.,using a uniform resource locator (URL) or some other identifier). Insome embodiments, a task may be for the zone player 400 to send audiodata to another zone player or device on a network. In some embodiments,a task may be for the zone player 400 to synchronize playback of audiowith one or more additional zone players. In some embodiments, a taskmay be to pair the zone player 400 with one or more zone players tocreate a multi-channel audio environment. Additional or alternativetasks can be achieved via the one or more software module(s) 414 and theprocessor 408.

The audio stage is a system for producing processed amplified analogaudio signals for playback through speakers. The audio stage 424 caninclude an audio processing component 412 and an audio amplifier 416, orit may include only one of these components.

The audio processing component 412 can include one or moredigital-to-analog converters (DAC), an audio preprocessing component, anaudio enhancement component or a digital signal processor, and so on. Insome embodiments, the audio processing component 412 may be part ofprocessor 408. In some embodiments, the audio that is retrieved via thenetwork interface 402 is processed and/or intentionally altered by theaudio processing component 412. Further, the audio processing component412 can produce analog audio signals. The processed analog audio signalsare then provided to the audio amplifier 416 for playback throughspeakers 418. In addition, the audio processing component 412 caninclude circuitry to process analog or digital signals as inputs to playfrom zone player 400, send to another zone player on a network, or bothplay and send to another zone player on the network. An example inputincludes a line-in connection (e.g., an auto-detecting 3.5 mm audioline-in connection).

The audio amplifier 416 is a device(s) that amplifies audio signals to alevel for driving one or more speakers 418. The one or more speakers 418can include an individual transducer (e.g., a “driver”) or a completespeaker system that includes an enclosure including one or more drivers.A particular driver can be a subwoofer (e.g., for low frequencies), amid-range driver (e.g., for middle frequencies), and a tweeter (e.g.,for high frequencies), for example. An enclosure can be sealed orported, for example. Each transducer may be driven by its own individualamplifier.

Further, in some instances, zone player 400 may be a powered by a directcurrent (DC) power supply, e.g., a battery 426. Yet further, powerindicator 422 may identify the level of power in battery 426 of zoneplayer 400. Based on the level of power in battery 426, controller 500may adjust the payload of the wake-up packet to wake-up a differentsubset of zone players 400 to conserve the power remaining in battery426.

A commercial example, presently known as the PLAY:5™, is a zone playerwith a built-in amplifier and speakers that is capable of retrievingaudio directly from the source, such as on the Internet or on the localnetwork, for example. In particular, the PLAY:5™ is a five-amp,five-driver speaker system that includes two tweeters, two mid-rangedrivers, and one woofer. When playing audio content via the PLAY:5, theleft audio data of a track is sent out of the left tweeter and leftmid-range driver, the right audio data of a track is sent out of theright tweeter and the right mid-range driver, and mono bass is sent outof the subwoofer. Further, both mid-range drivers and both tweeters havethe same equalization (or substantially the same equalization). That is,they are both sent the same frequencies but from different channels ofaudio. Audio from Internet radio stations, online music and videoservices, downloaded music, analog audio inputs, television, DVD, and soon, can be played from the PLAY:5™.

IV. Example Controller

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an example block diagram forcontroller 500, which can correspond to the controlling device 130 inFIG. 1. Controller 500 can be used to facilitate the control ofmulti-media applications, automation and others in a system. Inparticular, the controller 500 may be configured to facilitate aselection of a plurality of audio sources available on the network andenable control of one or more zone players (e.g., the zone players102-124 in FIG. 1) through a wireless or wired network interface 508.According to one embodiment, the wireless communications is based on anindustry standard (e.g., infrared, radio, wireless standards includingIEEE 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, 802.15, 4G mobilecommunication standard, and so on). Further, when a particular audio isbeing accessed via the controller 500 or being played via a zone player,a picture (e.g., album art) or any other data, associated with the audioand/or audio source can be transmitted from a zone player or otherelectronic device to controller 500 for display.

Controller 500 is provided with a screen 502 and an input interface 514that allows a user to interact with the controller 500, for example, tonavigate a playlist of many multimedia items and to control operationsof one or more zone players. The screen 502 on the controller 500 can bean LCD screen, for example. The screen 500 communicates with and iscommanded by a screen driver 504 that is controlled by a microcontroller(e.g., a processor) 506. The memory 510 can be loaded with one or moreapplication modules 512 that can be executed by the microcontroller 506with or without a user input via the user interface 514 to achievecertain tasks. In some embodiments, an application module 512 isconfigured to facilitate grouping a number of selected zone players intoa zone group to facilitate synchronized playback amongst the zoneplayers in the zone group. In some embodiments, an application module512 is configured to control the audio sounds (e.g., volume) of the zoneplayers in a zone group. In operation, when the microcontroller 506executes one or more of the application modules 512, the screen driver504 generates control signals to drive the screen 502 to display anapplication specific user interface accordingly.

The controller 500 includes a network interface 508 that facilitateswired or wireless communication with a zone player. In some embodiments,the commands such as volume control and audio playback synchronizationare sent via the network interface 508. In some embodiments, a savedzone group configuration is transmitted between a zone player and acontroller via the network interface 508. The controller 500 can controlone or more zone players, such as 102-124 of FIG. 1. There can be morethan one controller for a particular system, and each controller mayshare common information with another controller, or retrieve the commoninformation from a zone player, if such a zone player storesconfiguration data (e.g., such as a state variable). Further, acontroller can be integrated into a zone player.

It should be noted that other network-enabled devices such as aniPhone™, iPad™ or any other smart phone or network-enabled device (e.g.,a networked computer such as a PC or Mac™) can also be used as acontroller to interact or control zone players in a particularenvironment. In some embodiments, a software application or upgrade canbe downloaded onto a network-enabled device to perform the functionsdescribed herein.

In certain embodiments, a user can create a zone group (also referred toas a bonded zone) including at least two zone players from thecontroller 500. The zone players in the zone group can play audio in asynchronized fashion, such that all of the zone players in the zonegroup playback an identical audio source or a list of identical audiosources in a synchronized manner such that no (or substantially no)audible delays or hiccups are to be heard. Similarly, in someembodiments, when a user increases the audio volume of the group fromthe controller 500, the signals or data of increasing the audio volumefor the group are sent to one of the zone players and causes other zoneplayers in the group to be increased together in volume.

A user via the controller 500 can group zone players into a zone groupby activating a “Link Zones” or “Add Zone” soft button, or de-grouping azone group by activating an “Unlink Zones” or “Drop Zone” button. Forexample, one mechanism for ‘joining’ zone players together for audioplayback is to link a number of zone players together to form a group.To link a number of zone players together, a user can manually link eachzone player or room one after the other. For example, assume that thereis a multi-zone system that includes the following zones: Bathroom,Bedroom, Den, Dining Room, Family Room, and Foyer. In certainembodiments, a user can link any number of the six zone players, forexample, by starting with a single zone and then manually linking eachzone to that zone.

In certain embodiments, a set of zones can be dynamically linkedtogether using a command to create a zone scene or theme (subsequent tofirst creating the zone scene). For instance, a “Morning” zone scenecommand can link the Bedroom, Office, and Kitchen zones together in oneaction. Without this single command, the user would manually andindividually link each zone. The single command may include a mouseclick, a double mouse click, a button press, a gesture, or some otherprogrammed or learned action. Other kinds of zone scenes can beprogrammed or learned by the system over time.

In certain embodiments, a zone scene can be triggered based on time(e.g., an alarm clock function). For instance, a zone scene can be setto apply at 8:00 am. The system can link appropriate zonesautomatically, set specific music to play, and then stop the music aftera defined duration and revert the zones to their prior configuration.Although any particular zone can be triggered to an “On” or “Off” statebased on time, for example, a zone scene enables any zone(s) linked tothe scene to play a predefined audio (e.g., a favorable song, apredefined playlist) at a specific time and/or for a specific duration.If, for any reason, the scheduled music failed to be played (e.g., anempty playlist, no connection to a share, failed Universal Plug and Play(UPnP), no Internet connection for an Internet Radio station, and soon), a backup buzzer can be programmed to sound. The buzzer can includea sound file that is stored in a zone player, for example.

V. Playback Queue

As discussed above, in some embodiments, a zone player may be assignedto a playback queue identifying zero or more media items for playback bythe zone player. The media items identified in a playback queue may berepresented to the user via an interface on a controller. For instance,the representation may show the user (or users if more than onecontroller is connected to the system) how the zone player is traversingthe playback queue, such as by highlighting the “now playing” item,graying out the previously played item(s), highlighting the to-be-playeditem(s), and so on.

In some embodiments, a single zone player is assigned to a playbackqueue. For example, zone player 114 in the bathroom of FIG. 1 may belinked or assigned to a “Bathroom” playback queue. In an embodiment, the“Bathroom” playback queue might have been established by the system as aresult of the user naming the zone player 114 to the bathroom. As such,contents populated and identified in the “Bathroom” playback queue canbe played via the zone player 114 (the bathroom zone).

In some embodiments, a zone or zone group is assigned to a playbackqueue. For example, zone players 106 and 108 in the family room of FIG.1 may be linked or assigned to a “Family room” playback queue. Inanother example, if family room and dining room zones were grouped, thenthe new group would be linked or assigned to a family room+dining roomplayback queue. In some embodiments, the family room+dining roomplayback queue would be established based upon the creation of thegroup. In some embodiments, upon establishment of the new group, thefamily room+dining room playback queue can automatically include thecontents of one (or both) of the playback queues associated with eitherthe family room or dining room or both. In one instance, if the userstarted with the family room and added the dining room, then thecontents of the family room playback queue would become the contents ofthe family room+dining room playback queue. In another instance, if theuser started with the family room and added the dining room, then thefamily room playback queue would be renamed to the family room+diningroom playback queue. If the new group was “ungrouped,” then the familyroom+dining room playback queue may be removed from the system and/orrenamed to one of the zones (e.g., renamed to “family room” or “diningroom”). After ungrouping, each of the family room and the dining roommay be assigned to a separate playback queue. One or more of the zoneplayers in the zone or zone group may store in memory the associatedplayback queue.

As such, when zones or zone groups are “grouped” or “ungrouped”dynamically by the user via a controller, the system will, in someembodiments, establish or remove/rename playback queues respectively, aseach zone or zone group is to be assigned to a playback queue. In otherwords, the playback queue operates as a container that can be populatedwith media items for playback by the assigned zone. In some embodiments,the media items identified in a playback queue can be manipulated (e.g.,re-arranged, added to, deleted from, and so on).

By way of illustration, FIG. 6 shows an example network 600 for mediacontent playback. As shown, the example network 600 includes examplezone players 612 and 614, example audio sources 662 and 664, and examplemedia items 620. The example media items 620 may include playlist 622,music track 624, favorite Internet radio station 626, playlists 628 and630, and album 632. In one embodiment, the zone players 612 and 614 maybe any of the zone players shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. For instance,zone players 612 and 614 may be the zone players 106 and 108 in theFamily Room.

In one example, the example audio sources 662 and 664, and example mediaitems 620 may be partially stored on a cloud network, discussed morebelow in connection to FIG. 8. In some cases, the portions of the audiosources 662, 664, and example media items 620 may be stored locally onone or both of the zone players 612 and 614. In one embodiment, playlist622, favorite Internet radio station 626, and playlist 630 may be storedlocally, and music track 624, playlist 628, and album 632 may be storedon the cloud network.

Each of the example media items 620 may be a list of media itemsplayable by a zone player(s). In one embodiment, the example media itemsmay be a collection of links or pointers (i.e., URI) to the underlyingdata for media items that are stored elsewhere, such as the audiosources 662 and 664. In another embodiment, the media items may includepointers to media content stored on the local zone player, another zoneplayer over a local network, or a controller device connected to thelocal network.

As shown, the example network 600 may also include an example queue 602associated with the zone player 612, and an example queue 604 associatedwith the zone player 614. Queue 606 may be associated with a group, whenin existence, comprising zone players 612 and 614. Queue 606 mightcomprise a new queue or exist as a renamed version of queue 602 or 604.In some embodiments, in a group, the zone players 612 and 614 would beassigned to queue 606 and queue 602 and 604 would not be available atthat time. In some embodiments, when the group is no longer inexistence, queue 606 is no longer available. Each zone player and eachcombination of zone players in a network of zone players, such as thoseshown in FIG. 1 or that of example zone players 612, 614, and examplecombination 616, may be uniquely assigned to a corresponding playbackqueue.

A playback queue, such as playback queues 602-606, may includeidentification of media content to be played by the corresponding zoneplayer or combination of zone players. As such, media items added to theplayback queue are to be played by the corresponding zone player orcombination of zone players. The zone player may be configured to playitems in the queue according to a specific order (such as an order inwhich the items were added), in a random order, or in some other order.

The playback queue may include a combination of playlists and othermedia items added to the queue. In one embodiment, the items in playbackqueue 602 to be played by the zone player 612 may include items from theaudio sources 662, 664, or any of the media items 622-632. The playbackqueue 602 may also include items stored locally on the zone player 612,or items accessible from the zone player 614. For instance, the playbackqueue 602 may include Internet radio 626 and album 632 items from audiosource 662, and items stored on the zone player 612.

When a media item is added to the queue via an interface of acontroller, a link to the item may be added to the queue. In a case ofadding a playlist to the queue, links to the media items in the playlistmay be provided to the queue. For example, the playback queue 602 mayinclude pointers from the Internet radio 626 and album 632, pointers toitems on the audio source 662, and pointers to items on the zone player612. In another case, a link to the playlist, for example, rather than alink to the media items in the playlist may be provided to the queue,and the zone player or combination of zone players may play the mediaitems in the playlist by accessing the media items via the playlist. Forexample, the album 632 may include pointers to items stored on audiosource 662. Rather than adding links to the items on audio source 662, alink to the album 632 may be added to the playback queue 602, such thatthe zone player 612 may play the items on the audio source 662 byaccessing the items via pointers in the album 632.

In some cases, contents as they exist at a point in time within aplayback queue may be stored as a playlist, and subsequently added tothe same queue later or added to another queue. For example, contents ofthe playback queue 602, at a particular point in time, may be saved as aplaylist, stored locally on the zone player 612 and/or on the cloudnetwork. The saved playlist may then be added to playback queue 604 tobe played by zone player 614.

VI. Example Ad-Hoc Network

Particular examples are now provided in connection with FIG. 7 todescribe, for purposes of illustration, certain embodiments to provideand facilitate connection to a playback network. FIG. 7 shows that thereare three zone players 702, 704 and 706 and a controller 708 that form anetwork branch that is also referred to as an Ad-Hoc network 710. Thenetwork 710 may be wireless, wired, or a combination of wired andwireless technologies. In general, an Ad-Hoc (or “spontaneous”) networkis a local area network or other small network in which there isgenerally no one access point for all traffic. With an establishedAd-Hoc network 710, the devices 702, 704, 706 and 708 can allcommunicate with each other in a “peer-to-peer” style of communication,for example. Furthermore, devices may join and/or leave from the network710, and the network 710 will automatically reconfigure itself withoutneeding the user to reconfigure the network 710. While an Ad-Hoc networkis referenced in FIG. 7, it is understood that a playback network may bebased on a type of network that is completely or partially differentfrom an Ad-Hoc network.

Using the Ad-Hoc network 710, the devices 702, 704, 706, and 708 canshare or exchange one or more audio sources and be dynamically grouped(or ungrouped) to play the same or different audio sources. For example,the devices 702 and 704 are grouped to playback one piece of music, andat the same time, the device 706 plays back another piece of music. Inother words, the devices 702, 704, 706 and 708, as shown in FIG. 7, forma HOUSEHOLD that distributes audio and/or reproduces sound. As usedherein, the term HOUSEHOLD (provided in uppercase letters todisambiguate from the user's domicile) is used to represent a collectionof networked devices that are cooperating to provide an application orservice. An instance of a HOUSEHOLD is identified with a household 710(or household identifier), though a HOUSEHOLD may be identified with adifferent area or place.

In certain embodiments, a household identifier (HHID) is a short stringor an identifier that is computer-generated to help ensure that it isunique. Accordingly, the network 710 can be characterized by a uniqueHHID and a unique set of configuration variables or parameters, such aschannels (e.g., respective frequency bands), service set identifier(SSID) (a sequence of alphanumeric characters as a name of a wirelessnetwork), and WEP keys (wired equivalent privacy) or other securitykeys. In certain embodiments, SSID is set to be the same as HHID.

In certain embodiments, each HOUSEHOLD includes two types of networknodes: a control point (CP) and a zone player (ZP). The control pointcontrols an overall network setup process and sequencing, including anautomatic generation of required network parameters (e.g., securitykeys). In an embodiment, the CP also provides the user with a HOUSEHOLDconfiguration user interface. The CP function can be provided by acomputer running a CP application module, or by a handheld controller(e.g., the controller 308) also running a CP application module, forexample. The zone player is any other device on the network that isplaced to participate in the automatic configuration process. The ZP, asa notation used herein, includes the controller 308 or a computingdevice, for example. In some embodiments, the functionality, or certainparts of the functionality, in both the CP and the ZP are combined at asingle node (e.g., a ZP contains a CP or vice-versa).

In certain embodiments, configuration of a HOUSEHOLD involves multipleCPs and ZPs that rendezvous and establish a known configuration suchthat they can use a standard networking protocol (e.g., IP over Wired orWireless Ethernet) for communication. In an embodiment, two types ofnetworks/protocols are employed: Ethernet 802.3 and Wireless 802.11g.Interconnections between a CP and a ZP can use either of thenetworks/protocols. A device in the system as a member of a HOUSEHOLDcan connect to both networks simultaneously.

In an environment that has both networks in use, it is assumed that atleast one device in a system is connected to both as a bridging device,thus providing bridging services between wired/wireless networks forothers. The zone player 706 in FIG. 7 is shown to be connected to bothnetworks, for example. The connectivity to the network 712 is based onEthernet and/or Wireless, while the connectivity to other devices 702,704 and 708 is based on Wireless and Ethernet if so desired.

It is understood, however, that in some embodiments each zone player706, 704, 702 may access the Internet when retrieving media from thecloud (e.g., the Internet) via the bridging device. For example, zoneplayer 702 may contain a uniform resource locator (URL) that specifiesan address to a particular audio track in the cloud. Using the URL, thezone player 702 may retrieve the audio track from the cloud, andultimately play the audio out of one or more zone players.

VII. Another Example System Configuration

FIG. 8 shows a system 800 including a plurality of interconnectednetworks including a cloud-based network and at least one local playbacknetwork. A local playback network includes a plurality of playbackdevices or players, though it is understood that the playback networkmay contain only one playback device. In certain embodiments, eachplayer has an ability to retrieve its content for playback. Control andcontent retrieval can be distributed or centralized, for example. Inputcan include streaming content provider input, third party applicationinput, mobile device input, user input, and/or other playback networkinput into the cloud for local distribution and playback.

As illustrated by the example system 800 of FIG. 8, a plurality ofcontent providers 820-850 can be connected to one or more local playbacknetworks 860-870 via a cloud and/or other network 810. Using the cloud810, a multimedia audio system server 820 (e.g., Sonos™), a mobiledevice 830, a third party application 840, a content provider 850 and soon can provide multimedia content (requested or otherwise) to localplayback networks 860, 870. Within each local playback network 860, 870,a controller 862, 872 and a playback device 864, 874 can be used toplayback audio content.

VIII. Example First Method for Media Playback Device Wake-Up

As discussed above, embodiments described herein may involve mechanismsto wake-up a media playback device that is interconnected with othermedia playback devices to form a networked media playback system from astandby mode using a network message known as a wake-up packet. Further,as noted above, the wake-up packet may have various payloads dependingon the media playback devices that are targeted by the wake-up packet.In some embodiments, the wake-up packet may have a broadcast destinationaddress in the payload. These embodiments may be used to wake multiplemedia playback devices within the networked media playback system, orthey may be used to wake a subset of media playback devices according tocertain conditions.

FIG. 9 shows an example flow diagram for waking media playback devicesfrom standby mode using a wake-up packet including a broadcastdestination MAC address, in accordance with at least some embodimentsdescribed herein. Method 900 shown in FIG. 9 presents an embodiment of amethod that could be used in the environments 100, 600, 700, 800, or1200 with the systems 200, 202, 204, 300, 400, and 500 for example. FIG.11 shows an example flow diagram presenting method 1100 for puttingmedia playback devices into standby mode that may, in some embodiments,be used in conjunction with method 900 in the environments 100, 600,700, 800, or 1200 with the systems 200, 202, 204, 300, 400, and 500 forexample. For example, each of bocks 1102-1106 may be carried out before,after, or concurrently with each of blocks 902-906.

In some embodiments, two or more media playback devices may beinterconnected in a network to form a media playback system. FIG. 12shows example media playback devices and example controllers as part ofa networked media playback system. As described above, in someembodiments, a networked media playback system may be configured in anad-hoc (or mesh) network, such that each media playback device mayparticipate in network routing with other media playback devices. Thenetworked media playback system 1200 includes example media playbackdevices 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212, and 1214. The networked media playbacksystem also includes example controllers 1216 and 1218 connected towireless router 1204. The media playback devices 1206-1214 and thecontrollers 1216-1218 form a mesh network. The mesh network comprisespoint-to-point paths 1220-1228 between devices (i.e., the media playbackdevices and the wireless router). Relative to the controllers 1216 and1218, only media playback device 1206 has a direct route to thecontrollers because the wireless router broadcasts packets over itswired and wireless interfaces. Media playback devices 1208-1214 areconnected to the controllers indirectly through at least one other mediaplayback device (i.e., media playback device 1206).

As a general matter, each of blocks 902-906 and 1102-1106 may be carriedout by one or more media playback devices. Media playback devices mayinclude any one or more of zone players 102-124 of FIG. 1. Further,media playback devices may include any one or more of zone players 200,202, and 204 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, respectfully. Yet further, mediaplayback devices may include any one or more of zone player 400 of FIG.4 and zone players 612 and 614 of FIG. 6. In addition, media playbackdevices may also include any one or more of zone players 702-706 of FIG.7 and/or playback devices 864 and 874 of FIG. 8. Further, media playbackdevices may include media playback devices 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212, or1214 of FIG. 12. Other possibilities may also exist. It should beunderstood that media playback devices may be described herein as a“first media playback device”, a “second media playback device”, “atleast one additional media playback device”, and/or “a third mediaplayback device” to distinguish one playback device from another.

Methods 900 and 1100 may include one or more operations, functions, oractions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 902-906 and 1102-1106.Although the blocks are illustrated in sequential order, these blocksmay also be performed in parallel, and/or in a different order thanthose described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined intofewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and/or removed based uponthe desired implementation.

In addition, for the methods 900, 1100, and other processes and methodsdisclosed herein, the flowchart shows functionality and operation of onepossible implementation of present embodiments. In this regard, eachblock may represent a module, a segment, or a portion of program code,which includes one or more instructions executable by a processor forimplementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. Theprogram code may be stored on any type of computer readable medium, forexample, such as a storage device including a disk or hard drive. Thecomputer readable medium may include non-transitory computer readablemedium, for example, such as computer-readable media that stores datafor short periods of time like register memory, processor cache andRandom Access Memory (RAM). The computer readable medium may alsoinclude non-transitory media, such as secondary or persistent long termstorage, like read only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks,compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for example. The computerreadable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storagesystems. The computer readable medium may be considered a computerreadable storage medium, for example, or a tangible storage device. Inaddition, for the method 900 and other processes and methods disclosedherein, each block in FIG. 9 may represent circuitry that is wired toperform the specific logical functions in the process.

a. Receiving, While the First Media Playback Device is in a StandbyMode, a First Wake-Up Packet

At block 902, the method 900 may involve receiving, by a first mediaplayback device, while the first media playback device is in a standbymode, a first wake-up packet that includes a first payload that isassociated with a MAC broadcast address. As described above, the firstmedia playback device may have a network interface. For example, a firstmedia playback device might be a first zone player 400 of FIG. 4 thathas a network interface 402. The first zone player 400 may receive awake-up packet over wireless network interface 404 or wired networkinterface 406. In some embodiments, the wake-up packet may be receivedover either wireless network interface 404 or wired network interface406. In other embodiments, the wake-up packet may be received over bothwireless network interface 404 and wired network interface 406.

The first wake-up packet includes a first payload that is associatedwith a MAC broadcast address. Consider FIG. 10 showing an examplewake-up packet 1002 having control information 1004, a payload 1006, anda MAC address 1008 associated with the payload 1006. For example, firstwake-up packet 1002 may include first payload 1006 associated with mediaaccess control (MAC) address 1008. The first wake-up packet 1002 may bea formatted unit of data carried by a packet-switched network, such asnetwork 600 or Ad-Hoc network 700.

MAC address 1008 may be a unique identifier assigned to networkinterfaces for network communications. For example, wireless networkinterface 404 may have a unique MAC address to identify the wirelessnetwork interface 404 on network 710, 712, 850, or 860. The MAC addressmay conform to the IEEE 802 standard format having a 48-bit addressspace.

The first payload 1006 may be associated with media access control (MAC)address 1008. The first payload 1006 may include sixteen repetitions ofa MAC address 1008. Sixteen repetitions of a MAC address 1008 may berecognized by the first media playback device as a signal to enter orexit a device mode, such as a standby mode. In some embodiments, MACaddress 1008 might be the broadcast destination address. In someembodiments, the broadcast destination address may be the MAC addressFF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF, otherwise known as the “all F” address.

The control information 1004 may include, along with other information,a destination address. In some embodiments, the destination address willbe the broadcast destination address. In some embodiments, the broadcastdestination address may be the MAC address FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF, otherwiseknown as the “all F” address.

In some embodiments, such as wherein a first media playback device and asecond media playback device are interconnected to form a media playbacksystem, a second media playback device may receive, by the second mediaplayback device while the second media playback device is in standbymode, a second wake-up packet. For example, media playback device 1206in FIG. 12 may receive a first wake-up packet 1002 and media playbackdevice 1208 may receive a second wake-up packet 1002. In someembodiments, multiple media playback devices may receive additionalwake-up packets 1002. For example, each of media playback devices 1206,1208, 1210, 1212, and 1214 may receive a wake-up packet.

The first wake-up packet 1002 may be sent from any device within thenetwork 710, 712, 850, or 860. For example, the first wake-up packet1002 may be sent from controller 500 using network interface 508 when auser initiates the playback of an audio track using input interface 514.Or, the wake-up packet 1002 may be sent from an additional zone player400 using network interface 402. Alternatively, the first wake-up packet1002 may originate at a controller 500 and be routed through one or moreadditional intermediary zone players 400 before being received by thefirst zone player 400. For example, the first wake-up packet mayoriginate at controller 1216 or 1218 and be routed through intermediarymedia playback device 1206 before being received by media playbackdevice 1208. In some embodiments, the first wake-up packet may originateat a wireless media playback device, such as media playback device 1206.

In method 900, the first media playback device may be configured to beinitially in a standby mode, e.g., before executing block 902 in method900. For example, the first zone player 400 may be configured to be instandby mode. For example, media playback device 1206 may be in astandby mode. Standby mode may involve disabling one or more componentsof the media playback device. Further, standby mode may involve puttingone or more components in a sleep mode, a standby mode, or the like. Insome embodiments, standby mode may involve disabling one or more audioplayback components. Standby mode may reduce overall power consumptionby the first media playback device as compared to other device modes.

In some embodiments, such as wherein a first media playback device and asecond media playback device are interconnected to form a media playbacksystem, the second media playback device may be configured to beinitially in a standby mode. For example, the first media playbackdevice 1206 may be may be configured to be initially in a standby modeand the second media playback device 1208 may be configured to beinitially in a standby mode.

In further embodiments, standby mode may involve one or more of thefollowing: disabling an audio playback stage of the first media playbackdevice; enabling a processor sleep mode for a processor of the firstmedia playback device; or enabling a network interface sleep mode for atleast one network interface of the first media playback device. Forexample, standby mode for zone player 400 might involve disabling audiostage 424 or components thereof, such as audio processing component 412or audio amplifier 416. Standby mode for zone player 400 mightadditionally or alternatively involve enabling a sleep mode forprocessor 408 or network interface 402. Sleep mode for processor 408 maybe, for example, a device mode in which the processor does not executeinstructions. Sleep mode for network interface 402 may be, for example,a device mode in which the network interface is not activelycommunicating, but instead periodically checking for an incomingmessage, such as a wake-up packet 1002. The examples described above areprovided to illustrate possible embodiments of standby mode. Otherembodiments not described here are contemplated.

b. Exiting the Standby Mode and Entering an Active Mode

At block 904, method 900 may involve the first media playback deviceresponding to receiving the first wake-up packet by exiting the standbymode and entering an active mode. For example, the first zone player 400may respond to receiving the first wake-up packet by exiting the standbymode and enter the active mode. For example, media playback device 1206may respond to receiving the first wake-up packet by exiting the standbymode and entering the active mode. Active mode may involve enabling oneor more components of the media playback device. Further, active modemay involve taking one or more components out of a sleep mode, a standbymode, or the like. In some embodiments, active mode may involve enablingone or more audio playback components.

In some embodiments, such as wherein a first media playback device and asecond media playback device are interconnected to form a media playbacksystem, the second media playback device may respond to receiving thefirst wake-up packet by exiting the standby mode and entering the activemode.

In some embodiments, active mode may involve one or more of thefollowing: enabling an audio playback stage of the first media playbackdevice; disabling a processor sleep mode for a processor of the firstmedia playback device; or disabling a network interface sleep mode forat least one network interface of the first media playback device. Forexample, active mode for zone player 400 might involve enabling audiostage 424 or components thereof, such as audio processing component 412or audio amplifier 416. Additionally or alternatively, active mode forzone player 400 might involve disabling a sleep mode for processor 408or network interface 402. Active mode might also be referred to as thenormal operating mode for the first media playback device. In someembodiments, the first media playback device may consume more power inactive mode as compared with at least one other device mode, such asstandby mode.

c. Broadcasting a Second Wake-Up Packet that Includes a Second Payloadthat is Associated with the MAC Broadcast Address

At block 906, method 900 may involve the first media playback deviceresponding to receiving the first wake-up packet by broadcasting asecond wake-up packet that includes a second payload that is associatedwith the MAC broadcast address. In some embodiments, broadcasting thesecond wake-up packet will involve creating a second wake-up packet andtransmitting the second wake-up packet on a network interface. Forexample, the first zone player 400 may create a second wake-up packet1002 and transmit the second wake-up packet 1002 on network interface402 using either wireless network interface 404 or wired interface 406.The second wake-up packet 1002 may include the broadcast address as thedestination address in the control information 1004. Moreover, thesecond wake-up packet 1002 may include a second payload 1006 thatincludes the broadcast destination address. In some embodiments, thesecond payload 1006 may have sixteen repetitions of the broadcastdestination address. However, the second payload 1006 may have otherdata in addition to the broadcast destination address or repetitionsthereof.

As another example, media playback device 1206 in FIG. 12 may receive afirst wake-up packet 1002, exit the standby mode, and broadcast a secondwake-up packet 1002. When the first media playback device 1206 is partof a media playback system 1200, the second wake-up packet 1002 may bereceived by one or more additional media playback devices. For example,after media playback device 1206 broadcasts the second wake-up packet1002, media playback device 1208, may receive the second wake-up packet1002. In response to receiving the second wake-up packet 1002, mediaplayback device 1208 may exit standby mode and enter active mode, andbroadcast a third wake-up packet 1002. The third wake-up packet 1002 mayinclude a third payload 1006 that is associated with the MAC broadcastaddress 1008.

The method 900 may be repeated at additional media playback deviceswithin the media playback system until so as to cause additional mediaplayback devices in the system to be woken up. For example, each ofmedia playback devices 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212, and 1214 may receive awake-up packet, exit standby mode and enter active mode, and broadcast awake-up packet.

Further, in some embodiments, the second payload 1006 included in thesecond wake-up packet 1002 may be the same payload 1006 as the firstpayload included in the first wake-up packet 1002. For example, thefirst zone player 400 may copy the first payload 1006 from the firstwake-up packet 1002 to the second wake-up packet 1002. Or, the firstzone player 400 may translate the information in the first payload 1006from the first wake-up packet 1002 to the second payload 1006 in thesecond wake-up packet 1002.

Further, in some embodiments, additional functions may be carried out inaddition to method 900. These functions may involve the first mediaplayback device, after broadcasting the second wake-up packet, exitingthe active mode, and entering the standby mode. For example, the firstzone player 400, after broadcasting second wake-up packet 1102 onnetwork interface 402, may exit the active mode and enter the standbymode. Yet, further, in some embodiments, the first media playback deviceexits the active mode and enters the standby mode when certainconditions are met.

Consider method 1100 including blocks 1102, 1104, and 1106, any or allof which may be used in conjunction with method 900 such that blocks1102-1106 occur before, after, or concurrently with any of blocks902-906. For example, at block 1102 in FIG. 11, the first media playbackdevice, after broadcasting the second wake-up packet, determines whetherthe first media playback device is forwarding playback packets to asecond media playback device. Playback packets may be network packetscontaining audio signal data for playback on one or more audio playbackdevices in their payload. For example, the first zone player 400 maydetermine whether it is forwarding playback packets on network interface402 to a second zone player 400.

In some embodiments, the first media playback device may determinewhether the first media playback device is forwarding playback packetsto a second media playback device by counting, for a predeterminedperiod of time, the number of packets received during that period by thefirst media playback device. If the number of packets received duringthe period is more than a threshold, the first media playback device maydetermine that it is forwarding packets. For example, zone player 400may count packets received on network interface 402 during apredetermined period of time.

Other methods of determining whether the first media playback device isforwarding playback packets are possible as well. Moreover, thedetermination of whether the first media playback device is forwardingplayback packets may be repeated periodically to determine whether theforwarding of playback packets continues or whether forwarding hasended.

In some embodiments, additional actions based upon the determination ofwhether or not the first media playback device is forwarding playbackpackets to a second media device may be taken. Consider, at block 1104,when the first media playback device is not forwarding playback packetsto the second media playback device, the first media playback device mayexit the active mode and enter the standby mode. For example, the firstzone player 400 may exit the active mode and enter the standby mode whenthe first zone player 400 is not forwarding packets on network interface402. Or, at block 1106, when the first media playback device isforwarding playback packets to the second media playback device, thefirst media playback device may remain in the active mode. For example,first zone player 400 may remain in the active mode so that playbackpackets may be forwarded on network interface 402.

Moreover, method 1100 may be repeated for the additional media playbackdevices such that only a subset of media playback devices within themedia playback system that are within a playback path remain in theactive mode. For example, each media playback device 1206-1214determines whether it is forwarding playback packets to at least oneadditional media playback device 1206-1214. If any media playback device1206-1214 is not forwarding playback packets, then that media playbackdevice 1206-1214 exits the active mode and enters the standby mode. Insome embodiments, if any media playback device 1206-1214 is forwardingplayback packets, then each media playback device 1206-1214 may remainin the active mode.

IX. Example Second Method for Media Playback Device Wake-Up

As discussed above, embodiments described herein may involve mechanismsto wake-up a media playback device from a standby mode using a networkmessage known as a wake-up packet wherein the media playback device isinterconnected with other media playback devices to form a networkedmedia playback system. Further, as noted above, the wake-up packet mayhave various payloads depending on the media playback devices that aretargeted by the wake-up packet. In some embodiments, the wake-up packetmay have a unicast destination address in the payload. These embodimentsmay be used to wake a subset of media playback devices, such as adestination media playback device and additional media playback devicesforming a playback path to the destination media playback device.

FIG. 13 shows an example flow diagram for waking media playback devicesfrom standby mode using a wake-up packet including a unicast destinationMAC address, in accordance with at least some embodiments describedherein. Method 1300 shown in FIG. 1300 presents an embodiment of amethod that could be used in the environments 100, 600, 700, 800, or1200 with the systems 200, 202, 204, 300, 400, and 500 for example. FIG.15 shows an example flow diagram presenting method 1500 for a mediaplayback device to act as a proxy for additional media playback devicesthat may, in some embodiments, be used in conjunction with method 900 inthe environments 100, 600, 700, 800, or 1200 with the systems 200, 202,204, 300, 400, and 500 for example. For example, each of bocks 1302-1308may be carried out before, after, or concurrently with each of blocks1502-1504.

In some embodiments, two or more media playback devices may beinterconnected in a network to form a media playback system. FIG. 12shows example media playback devices and example controllers as part ofa networked media playback system. As described above, in someembodiments, a networked media playback system may be configured in anad-hoc (or mesh) network, such that each media playback device mayparticipate in network routing with other media playback devices. Thenetworked media playback system 1200 includes example media playbackdevices 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212, and 1214. The networked media playbacksystem also includes example controllers 1216 and 1218 connected towireless router 1204. The media playback devices 1206-1214 and thecontrollers 1216-1218 form a mesh network. The mesh network comprisespoint-to-point paths 1220-1228 between devices (e.g. the media playbackdevices and the wireless router device). Relative to the controllers1216 and 1218, only media playback device 1206 has a direct route to thecontrollers because the wireless router broadcasts packets over itswired and wireless interfaces. Media playback devices 1208-1214 areconnected to the controllers indirectly through at least one other mediaplayback device (i.e., media playback device 1206).

As a general matter, each of blocks 1302-1308 and 1502-1504 may becarried out by one or more media playback devices. Media playbackdevices may include any one or more of zone players 102-124 of FIG. 1.Further, media playback devices may include any one or more of zoneplayers 200, 202, and 204 of FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, respectfully. Yetfurther, media playback devices may include any one or more of zoneplayer 400 of FIG. 4 and zone players 612 and 614 of FIG. 6. Inaddition, media playback devices may also include any one or more ofzone players 702-706 of FIG. 7 and/or playback devices 864 and 874 ofFIG. 8. Further, media playback devices may include media playbackdevices 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212, or 1214 of FIG. 12. Other possibilitiesmay also exist. It should be understood that media playback devices maybe described herein as a “first media playback device”, a “second mediaplayback device”, “at least one additional media playback device”,and/or “a third media playback device” to distinguish one playbackdevice from another.

Methods 1300 and 1500 may include one or more operations, functions, oractions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 1302-1308 and 1502-1504.Although the blocks are illustrated in sequential order, these blocksmay also be performed in parallel, and/or in a different order thanthose described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined intofewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and/or removed based uponthe desired implementation.

In addition, for the methods 1300, 1500, and other processes and methodsdisclosed herein, the flowchart shows functionality and operation of onepossible implementation of present embodiments. In this regard, eachblock may represent a module, a segment, or a portion of program code,which includes one or more instructions executable by a processor forimplementing specific logical functions or steps in the process. Theprogram code may be stored on any type of computer readable medium, forexample, such as a storage device including a disk or hard drive. Thecomputer readable medium may include non-transitory computer readablemedium, for example, such as computer-readable media that stores datafor short periods of time like register memory, processor cache andRandom Access Memory (RAM). The computer readable medium may alsoinclude non-transitory media, such as secondary or persistent long termstorage, like read only memory (ROM), optical or magnetic disks,compact-disc read only memory (CD-ROM), for example. The computerreadable media may also be any other volatile or non-volatile storagesystems. The computer readable medium may be considered a computerreadable storage medium, for example, or a tangible storage device. Inaddition, for the method 1200 and other processes and methods disclosedherein, each block in FIG. 12 may represent circuitry that is wired toperform the specific logical functions in the process.

a. Receiving, While the First Media Playback Device is in a StandbyMode, a First Wake-Up Packet

At block 1302, the method 1300 may involve receiving, by a first mediaplayback device, while the first media playback device is in a standbymode, a first wake-up packet that is that includes a first payloadassociated with a MAC address. As described above, a first mediaplayback device may have a network interface. For example, a first mediaplayback device might be a first zone player 400 of FIG. 4 that has anetwork interface 402. The first zone player 400 may receive a wake-uppacket over wireless network interface 404 or wired network interface406. In some embodiments, the wake-up packet may be received over eitherwireless network interface 404 or wired network interface 406. In otherembodiments, the wake-up packet may be received over both wirelessnetwork interface 404 and wired network interface 406.

The first wake-up packet includes a first payload that is associatedwith a MAC address. Consider FIG. 14 showing an example wake-up packet1402 having control information 1404, a payload 1406, and a MAC address1408 associated with the payload 1406. For example, first wake-up packet1402 may include first payload 1406 associated with media access control(MAC) address 1408. The first wake-up packet 1402 may be a formattedunit of data carried by a packet-switched network, such as network 600or Ad-Hoc network 700.

MAC address 1408 may be a unique identifier assigned to networkinterfaces for network communications. For example, wireless networkinterface 404 may have a unique MAC address to identify the wirelessnetwork interface 404 on network 710, 712, 850, or 860. The MAC addressmay conform to the IEEE 802 standard format having a 48-bit addressspace.

The first wake-up packet 1402 may have a first payload 1406 thatincludes a MAC address 1408. The first payload 1406 may include sixteenrepetitions of a MAC address 1408. Sixteen repetitions of the MACaddress 1408 may be recognized by the first media playback device as asignal to enter or exit a device mode, such as a standby mode. In someembodiments, the MAC address 1408 included in the payload may be aunicast destination address that refers to a media playback device. Forexample, the unicast destination address may refer to a networkinterface of a media playback device such as network interface 402 ofzone player 400. In another example, the unicast destination address mayrefer to a network interface of media playback device 1206 in FIG. 12.

The control information 1404 may include, along with other information,a destination address. In some embodiments, the destination address maybe the broadcast destination address. In some embodiments, the broadcastdestination address may be the MAC address FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF, otherwiseknown as the “all F” address. In other embodiments, the destinationaddress may be a unicast destination address that refers to a mediaplayback device. For example, the unicast destination address may referto a network interface of a media playback device such as networkinterface 402 of zone player 400. In another example, the unicastdestination address may refer to a network interface of media playbackdevice 1206 in FIG. 12.

In some embodiments, such as wherein a first media playback device and asecond media playback device are interconnected to form a media playbacksystem, a second media playback device may receive, by the second mediaplayback device while the second media playback device is in standbymode, a second wake-up packet. For example, media playback device 1206in FIG. 12 may receive a first wake-up packet 1402 and media playbackdevice 1208 may receive a second wake-up packet 1402. In someembodiments, multiple media playback devices may receive additionalwake-up packets 1402. For example, each of media playback devices 1206,1208, 1210, 1212, and 1214 may receive a wake-up packet.

The first wake-up packet 1402 may be sent from any device within thenetwork 710, 712, 850, or 860. For example, the first wake-up packet1402 may be sent from controller 500 using network interface 508 when auser initiates the playback of an audio track using input interface 514.Or, the first wake-up packet 1402 may be sent from an additional zoneplayer 400 using network interface 402. Alternatively, the wake-uppacket 1402 may originate at a controller 500 and travel through one ormore additional intermediary zone players 400 before being received bythe first zone player 400.

In method 1400, the first media playback device may be configured to beinitially in a standby mode. For example, the first zone player 400 maybe configured to be in standby mode, e.g., before executing block 1402in method 1400. For example, the first zone player 400 may be configuredto be in standby mode. Or, media playback device 1206 may be in astandby mode. Standby mode may involve disabling one or more componentsof the media playback device. Further, standby mode may involve puttingone or more components in a sleep mode, a standby mode, or the like. Insome embodiments, standby mode may involve disabling one or more audioplayback components. Standby mode may reduce overall power consumptionby the first media playback device as compared to other device modes.

In some embodiments, such as wherein a first media playback device and asecond media playback device are interconnected to form a media playbacksystem, the second media playback device may be configured to beinitially in a standby mode. For example, the first media playbackdevice 1206 may be may be configured to be initially in a standby modeand the second media playback device 1208 may be configured to beinitially in a standby mode.

In further embodiments, standby mode may involve one or more of thefollowing: disabling an audio playback stage of the first media playbackdevice; enabling a processor sleep mode for a processor of the firstmedia playback device; or enabling a network interface sleep mode for atleast one network interface of the first media playback device. Forexample, standby mode for zone player 400 might involve disabling audiostage 424 or components thereof, such as audio processing component 412or audio amplifier 416. Standby mode for zone player 400 mightadditionally or alternatively involve enabling a sleep mode forprocessor 408 or network interface 402. Sleep mode for processor 408 maybe, for example, a device mode in which the processor is not executinginstructions. Sleep mode for network interface 402 may be, for example,a device mode in which the network interface is not activelycommunicating, but instead periodically checking for an incomingmessage, such as a wake-up packet 1402. Standby mode may reduce overallpower consumption by the first media playback device as compared toother device modes.

b. Determining Whether the First MAC Address is Included in a List ofMAC Addresses Maintained by the First Media Playback Device

At block 1304, the method 1300 may involve determining whether the firstMAC address is included in a list of MAC addresses maintained by thefirst media playback device. For example, first zone player 400 maydetermine whether MAC address 1408 in wake-up packet 1402 is included ina list of MAC addresses maintained by the first zone player 400. Thelist of MAC addresses may include the MAC address of the first mediaplayback device along with any additional media playback devices.Referring to FIG. 12, media playback device 1206 may have a list of oneor more MAC addresses where each MAC address corresponds to the networkinterface of media playback devices 1208-1214.

The first media playback device may determine whether the first MACaddress is included in the list of MAC addresses maintained by the firstmedia playback device using a plurality of embodiments. For example, thefirst media playback device may compare the first MAC address to eachMAC address in the list of MAC addresses maintained by the first mediaplayback device. Other embodiments not described here are contemplatedas well.

In some embodiments, a second media playback device may determinewhether the first MAC address is included in a list of MAC addressesmaintained by the second media playback device. For example, mediaplayback device 1206 in FIG. 12 may determine whether the first MACaddress is included in a list of MAC addresses maintained by the firstmedia playback device and media playback device 1208 may determinewhether the first MAC address is included in a list of MAC addressesmaintained by the second media playback device. In some embodiments,multiple media playback devices may determine whether the first MACaddress is included in a list of MAC addresses maintained by the mediaplayback device. For example, each of media playback devices 1206, 1208,1210, 1212, and 1214 may determine whether the first MAC address isincluded in a list of MAC addresses maintained by each of media playbackdevices 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212 and 1214.

The list of MAC addresses may include the MAC addresses of additionalmedia playback devices for which the first media playback device isacting as a proxy. Referring to FIG. 15, method 1500 shows an exampleflow diagram showing how MAC addresses could be added to the list of MACaddressees maintained by the first media playback device. At block 1502,method 1500 may involve the first media playback device receiving arequest to proxy for a second media device. For example, this mayinvolve a first zone player 400 receiving a request to proxy from asecond zone player 400. In some embodiments, this request to proxy maybe a network message or a series of network messages. As anotherexample, referring to FIG. 12, media playback device 1208 may receive arequest to proxy from media playback device 1212. In some embodiments,media playback device 1212 may send the request to proxy when it entersa device mode, such as standby mode.

At block 1504, method 1500 may further involve the first media deviceadding the second MAC address to the list of MAC addresses wherein thesecond MAC address is associated with the second media playback device.For example this may involve a first zone player 400 adding the MACaddress of a second zone player 400 to the list of MAC addresses whereinthe MAC address of the second zone player 400. As another example, mediaplayback device 1208 may receive the request to proxy from mediaplayback 1212 and add the MAC address of the network interface of mediaplayback device 1212 to the list of MAC addresses maintained by mediaplayback device 1208.

In some embodiments, additional functions may be performed in additionto method 1500. These functions may involve sending, to the first mediaplayback device, a request to proxy for the second media device, whereinthe request to proxy includes a second MAC address associated with thesecond media playback device and a third MAC address associated with athird media playback device, wherein the second media playback device isa proxy for the third media playback device. For example, media playbackdevice 1208 may receive the request to proxy from media playback 1212and add the MAC address of the network interface of media playbackdevice 1212 to the list of MAC addresses maintained by media playbackdevice 1208. If media playback device 1208 goes into standby mode, thenit must send a request to proxy to media playback device 1206. However,since media playback device 1208 is already a proxy for media playbackdevice 1212, the request to proxy sent by media playback device 1208 tomedia playback device 1206 may also include the MAC address of mediaplayback 1212 in addition to the MAC address of media playback device1208.

These functions may involve the first media playback device adding athird MAC addresses to the list of MAC addresses maintained by the firstmedia playback device. For example, continuing the example above, whenmedia playback device 1206 receives the request to proxy sent by mediaplayback device 1208 to media playback device 1206 that may also includethe MAC address of media playback 1212 in addition to the MAC address ofmedia playback device 1208, media playback device 1206 may add the MACaddress of media playback device 1212 to the list of MAC addressesmaintained by media playback device 1206. In some embodiments, both theMAC address of media playback device 1208 and 1212 may be added to thelist of MAC addresses maintained by media playback device 1206.Moreover, this process may be repeated for additional downstream mediaplayback devices such as media playback devices 1210 and 1214 such thatmedia playback device 1206 may have a list of MAC addressescorresponding to downstream devices for which it is acting as a proxy.

c. Exiting the Standby Mode and Entering an Active Mode

At block 1306, method 1300 may involve the first media playback deviceexiting the standby mode and entering an active mode when the first MACaddress is included in the list of MAC addresses. For example, the firstzone player 400 may exit the standby mode and enter the active mode whenthe first MAC address is included in the list of MAC addresses. Or,media playback device 1206 may exit the standby mode and enter theactive mode when the first MAC address is included in the list of MACaddresses. Active mode may involve enabling one or more components ofthe media playback device. Further, active mode may involve taking oneor more components out of a sleep mode, a standby mode, or the like. Insome embodiments, active mode may involve enabling one or more audioplayback components.

In some embodiments, such as wherein a first media playback device and asecond media playback device are interconnected to form a media playbacksystem, the second media playback device may exit the standby mode andenter the active mode when the first MAC address is included in the listof MAC addresses maintained by the second media playback device. Forexample, the second media playback device 1208 may exit the standby modeand enter the active mode when the first MAC address is included in thelist of MAC addresses maintained by the second media playback device1208.

In some embodiments, active mode may involve one or more of thefollowing: enabling an audio playback stage of the first media playbackdevice; disabling a processor sleep mode for a processor of the firstmedia playback device; and disabling a network interface sleep mode forat least one network interface of the first media playback device. Forexample, active mode for zone player 400 might involve enabling audiostage 424 or components thereof, such as audio processing component 412or audio amplifier 416. Additionally or alternatively, active mode forzone player 400 might involve disabling a sleep mode for processor 408or network interface 402. Active mode might also be referred to as thenormal operating mode for the first media playback device. In someembodiments, the first media playback device may consume more power inactive mode as compared with at least one other device mode, such asstandby mode.

d. Broadcasting a Second Wake-Up Packet that Includes a Second Payloadthat is Associated with a Unicast MAC Address

At block 1308, method 1300 may involve, when the first MAC address isincluded in the list of MAC addresses, the first media playback devicebroadcasting a second wake-up packet that includes a second payload thatis associated with the MAC address. In some embodiments, broadcastingthe second wake-up packet may involve creating a second wake-up packetand transmitting the second wake-up packet on a network interface. Forexample, the first zone player 400 may create a second wake-up packet1402 and transmit the second wake-up packet 1402 on network interface402 using either wireless network interface 404 or wired interface 406.In some embodiments, the second wake-up packet 1402 may include thebroadcast address as the destination address in the control information1404. In other embodiments, the second wake-up packet 1402 may include aunicast destination address as the destination address in the controlinformation 1404. Moreover, the second wake-up packet 1402 may include asecond payload 1406 that includes the unicast destination MAC address1408. In some embodiments, the second payload 1406 may have sixteenrepetitions of the unicast destination MAC address 1408. In someembodiments, the payload 1406 may have other data in addition to therepetitions of a MAC address 1408.

As another example, media playback device 1206 in FIG. 12 may receive afirst wake-up packet 1402, exit the standby mode, and broadcast a secondwake-up packet 1402 when the first MAC address is included in the listof MAC addresses maintained by media playback device 1206. When thefirst media playback device 1206 is part of a media playback system1200, the second wake-up packet 1402 may be received by one or moreadditional media playback devices. For example, after media playbackdevice 1206 broadcasts the second wake-up packet 1402, media playbackdevice 1208, may receive the second wake-up packet 1402. In response toreceiving the second wake-up packet 1402, media playback device 1208 mayexit standby mode and enter active mode, and broadcast a third wake-uppacket 1402 when the second MAC address is included in the list of MACaddresses maintained by media playback device 1208. The third wake-uppacket 1402 may include a third payload 1406 that is associated with aunicast MAC address 1408.

The method 1300 may be repeated at additional media playback deviceswithin the media playback system until so as to cause additional mediaplayback devices in the system to be woken up. For example, each ofmedia playback devices 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212, and 1214 may receive awake-up packet, exit standby mode and enter active mode, and broadcast awake-up packet when the MAC address in the wake-up packet received byeach respective media playback device 1206-1214 is included in the listof MAC addresses maintained by the respective media playback device1206-1214.

Further, in some embodiments, the second payload 1406 included in thesecond wake-up packet 1402 may be the same payload 1406 as the firstpayload included in the first wake-up packet 1402. For example, thefirst zone player 400 may copy the first payload 1406 from the firstwake-up packet 1402 to the second wake-up packet 1402. Or, the firstzone player 400 may translate the information in the first payload 1406from the first wake-up packet 1402 to the second payload 1406 in thesecond wake-up packet 1402.

Further, in some embodiments, the first wake-up packet may have aunicast destination address as its destination address in the controlinformation. For example, first wake-up packet 1402 with controlinformation 1404 that includes a unicast destination address as thedestination address. In this embodiment, the unicast destination addressis translated from the control information 1404 in the first wake-uppacket 1402 to the control information 1404 in the second wake-uppacket. The second wake-up packet is sent as a unicast message to thedestination media playback device or to the next intermediary devicethat is acting as a proxy for the destination media playback device.

Further, in some embodiments, additional functions may be carried out inaddition to method 1300. These functions may involve the first mediaplayback device remaining in the standby mode when the first MAC addressis not included in the list of MAC addresses. In this embodiment, thefirst MAC address 1408 is not associated with the MAC address of thefirst media playback or any device that the first media playback devicefor which the first media playback device may be acting as a proxy.

In some embodiments, as described above, two or more media playbackdevices may be interconnected in a network to form a media playbacksystem. Moreover, as described above, the first media playback devicemay carry out the steps of method 1300. For example, referring to FIG.12, media playback device 1206 may receive a first wake-up packet 1402,determine that the first MAC address is included in the list of MACaddresses, exit the standby mode, and broadcast a second wake-up packet1402. When the first media playback device 1206 is part of a mediaplayback system 1200, the second wake-up packet 1402 may be received byone or more additional media playback devices. For example, after mediaplayback device 1206 broadcasts the second wake-up packet 1402, mediaplayback device 1208, may receive the second wake-up packet 1402. Inresponse to receiving the second wake-up packet 1402, media playbackdevice 1208 may determine that the first MAC address is included in thelist of MAC addresses, exit the standby mode, and broadcast a thirdwake-up packet 1402. The third wake-up packet 1402 may include a thirdpayload 1406 that is associated with the unicast MAC address 1408. Insome embodiments, the third payload 1406 may be the same as the firstpayload 1406 and the second payload 1406. However, in other embodiments,the third payload may be associated with the same MAC broadcast address1408 as the first payload 1406 and the second payload 1406, but containadditional data in the third payload 1406.

The method 1300 may be repeated at additional media playback deviceswithin the media playback system until all media playback devices in thesystem are woken up. For example, each of media playback devices 1206,1208, 1210, 1212, and 1214 may receive a wake-up packet, and determinewhether the MAC address in the wake-up packet is within the list of MACaddresses maintained by the respective media playback device. Uponmaking the determination that the MAC address in the wake-up packet iswithin the list of MAC addresses, each media playback device 1206, 1208,1210, 1212, and 1214 may exit standby mode and enter active mode andbroadcast a wake-up packet. In some embodiments, when the MAC address inthe wake-up packet is within not the list of MAC addresses maintained bythe each media playback device, the media playback device remains in thestandby mode.

X. Conclusion

The descriptions above disclose various example systems, methods,apparatus, and articles of manufacture including, among othercomponents, firmware and/or software executed on hardware. However, suchexamples are merely illustrative and should not be considered aslimiting. For example, it is contemplated that any or all of thesefirmware, hardware, and/or software components can be embodiedexclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, exclusively infirmware, or in any combination of hardware, software, and/or firmware.Accordingly, while the following describes example systems, methods,apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture, the examples provided are notthe only way(s) to implement such systems, methods, apparatus, and/orarticles of manufacture.

As indicated above, the present application involves mechanisms towake-up a media playback device from a standby mode using a networkmessage known as a wake-up packet, wherein the media playback device isinterconnected with other media playback devices to form a networkedmedia playback system. In one aspect, a method is provided. The methodinvolves receiving, by a first media playback device, while the firstmedia playback device is in a standby mode, a first wake-up packet thatincludes a first payload that is associated with a MAC broadcastaddress. In response to receiving the first wake-up packet, the methodfurther involves exiting, by the first media playback device, thestandby mode and entering an active mode, and broadcasting, by the firstmedia playback device a second wake-up packet that includes a secondpayload that is associated with the MAC broadcast address.

In another aspect, a non-transitory computer readable memory isprovided. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes aset of instructions for execution by a processor. The set ofinstructions, when executed, cause a first media playback device toreceive, by a first media playback device, while the first mediaplayback device is in a standby mode, a first wake-up packet thatincludes a first payload that is associated with a MAC broadcastaddress. In response to receiving the first wake-up packet, the set ofinstructions, when executed, further cause the first media playbackdevice to exit, by the first media playback device, the standby mode,and enter an active mode; and broadcast, by the first media playbackdevice, a second wake-up packet that includes a second payload that isassociated with the MAC broadcast address.

In a further aspect, a media playback device is provided. The deviceincludes a network interface, a processor, a data storage, and a programlogic stored in the data storage and executable by the processor toreceive, by the first media playback device, while the media playbackdevice is in a standby mode, a first wake-up packet that includes afirst payload that is associated with a MAC broadcast address. Inresponse to receiving the first wake-up packet, the program logic isfurther executable by the processor to exit, by the first media playbackdevice, the standby mode and enter an active mode, and broadcast, by thefirst media playback device, a second wake-up packet that includes asecond payload that is associated with the MAC broadcast address.

In yet another aspect, a media playback system is provided. The systemincludes a first media playback device and a second media playbackdevice. The first media playback device includes a network interface, aprocessor, a data storage and executable by the processor to receive, bythe first media playback device, while the media playback device is in astandby mode, a first wake-up packet that includes a first payload thatis associated with a MAC broadcast address. In response to receiving thefirst wake-up packet, the program logic is further executable by theprocessor to exit, by the first media playback device, the standby modeand enter an active mode, and broadcast, by the first media playbackdevice, a second wake-up packet that includes a second payload that isassociated with the MAC broadcast address.

In another aspect, a method is provided in a local area networkcomprising a plurality of devices, including at least a first mediaplayback device and a second media playback device. The method includesreceiving, by a first media playback device, while the first mediaplayback device is in a standby mode, a first wake-up packet thatincludes a first payload that is associated with a first MAC address. Inresponse to receiving the first wake-up packet, the method furtherincludes determining, by the first media playback device, whether thefirst MAC address is included in a list of MAC addresses maintained bythe first media playback device. When the first MAC address is includedin the list of MAC addresses, the method further includes exiting, bythe first media playback device, the standby mode, and entering anactive mode, and broadcasting, by the first media playback device, asecond wake-up packet that includes a second payload that is associatedwith the first MAC address.

In a further aspect, a non-transitory computer readable memory isprovided. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes aset of instructions for execution by a processor. The set ofinstructions, when executed, cause a first media playback device toreceive, by a first media playback device while the first media playbackdevice is in standby mode, a first wake-up packet that includes a firstpayload that is associated with a first MAC address. In response toreceiving the first wake-up packet, the set of instructions furthercause the first media playback device to determine, by the first mediaplayback device, whether the first MAC address is included in a list ofMAC addresses maintained by the first media playback device. When thefirst MAC address is included in the list of MAC addresses, the set ofinstructions further cause the first media playback device to exit, bythe first media playback device, the standby mode and enter an activemode, and broadcast, by the first media playback device, a secondwake-up packet that includes a second payload that is associated withthe first MAC address.

In yet another aspect, a media playback device is provided. The deviceincludes a network interface, a processor, a data storage, and a programlogic stored in the data storage and executable by the processor toreceive, by the first media playback device is in standby mode, a firstwake-up packet that includes a first payload that is associated with afirst MAC address. In response to receiving the first wake-up packet,the program logic is further executable by the processor to determine,by the first media playback device, whether the first MAC address isincluded in a list of MAC addresses maintained by the first mediaplayback device. When the first MAC address is included in the list ofMAC addresses, the program logic is further executable by the processorto exit, by the first media playback device, the standby mode and enteran active mode, and broadcast, by the first media playback device, asecond wake-up packet that includes a second payload that is associatedwith the MAC address.

In a further aspect, a media playback system is provided. The systemincludes a first media playback device and a second media playbackdevice. The first media playback device includes a network interface, aprocessor, a data storage and executable by the processor to receive, bythe first media playback device is in standby mode, a first wake-uppacket that includes a first payload that is associated with a first MACaddress. In response to receiving the first wake-up packet, the programlogic is further executable by the processor to determine, by the firstmedia playback device, whether the first MAC address is included in alist of MAC addresses maintained by the first media playback device.When the first MAC address is included in the list of MAC addresses, theprogram logic is further executable by the processor to exit, by thefirst media playback device, the standby mode and enter an active mode,and broadcast, by the first media playback device, a second wake-uppacket that includes a second payload that is associated with the MACbroadcast address.

Additionally, references herein to “embodiment” means that a particularfeature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with theembodiment can be included in at least one example embodiment of theinvention. The appearances of this phrase in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment,nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of otherembodiments. As such, the embodiments described herein, explicitly andimplicitly understood by one skilled in the art, can be combined withother embodiments.

The specification is presented largely in terms of illustrativeenvironments, systems, procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, andother symbolic representations that directly or indirectly resemble theoperations of data processing devices coupled to networks. These processdescriptions and representations are typically used by those skilled inthe art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to othersskilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth to provide athorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it isunderstood to those skilled in the art that certain embodiments of thepresent disclosure can be practiced without certain, specific details.In other instances, well known methods, procedures, components, andcircuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarilyobscuring aspects of the embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of thepresent disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than theforgoing description of embodiments.

When any of the appended claims are read to cover a purely softwareand/or firmware implementation, at least one of the elements in at leastone example is hereby expressly defined to include a tangible mediumsuch as a memory, DVD, CD, Blu-ray, and so on, storing the softwareand/or firmware.

1. A first playback device comprising: a communications interface; oneor more processors; an audio amplifier; and at least one non-transitorycomputer-readable medium comprising program instructions that areexecutable by the one or more processors such that the first playbackdevice is configured to: receive, while the audio amplifier is in afirst mode, a first packet via the communications interface, wherein theaudio amplifier consumes less power in the first mode than the audioamplifier consumes in an second mode; after receiving the first packet,cause the first playback device to exit the first mode and enter thesecond mode, wherein the program instructions that are executable by theone or more processors such that the first playback device is configuredto cause the first playback device to enter the second mode compriseprogram instructions that are executable by the one or more processorssuch that the first playback device is configured to enable the audioamplifier of the first playback device; while the first playback deviceis in the second mode, (i) receive, via the communications interface, anaudio stream comprising audio content; (ii) forward, via thecommunications interface, the audio content to a second playback device;and (iii) play back, via the audio amplifier, the audio content insynchrony with the second playback device; cease forwarding the audiocontent to the second playback device; and after the cessation offorwarding the audio content to the second playback device, cause thefirst playback device to exit the second mode and enter the first mode.2. The first playback device of claim 1, wherein the at least onenon-transitory computer-readable medium further comprises programinstructions that are executable by the one or more processors such thatthe first playback device is configured to: synchronize, via thecommunications interface, the playback of the audio content in a groupwith the second playback device.
 3. The first playback device of claim1, wherein the program instructions that are executable by the one ormore processors such that the first playback device is configured toplay back the audio content in synchrony with the second playback devicecomprise program instructions that are executable by the one or moreprocessors such that the first playback device is configured to: playback the audio content in synchrony with the second playback device andat least one additional playback device.
 4. The first playback device ofclaim 1, wherein the program instructions that are executable by the oneor more processors such that the first playback device is configured toplay back the audio content in synchrony with the second playback devicecomprise program instructions that are executable by the one or moreprocessors such that the first playback device is configured to: playback at least one first channel of the audio content in synchrony withplayback of at least one second channel of the audio content by thesecond playback device.
 5. The first playback device of claim 1, whereinthe program instructions that are executable by the one or moreprocessors such that the first playback device is configured to enterthe first mode comprises program instructions that are executable by theone or more processors such that the first playback device is configuredto: disable the audio amplifier.
 6. The first playback device of claim1, wherein the program instructions that are executable by the one ormore processors such that the first playback device is configured tocause the first playback device to enter the first mode comprise programinstructions that are executable by the one or more processors such thatthe first playback device is configured to cause at least one processorof the one or more processors to enable a sleep mode.
 7. The firstplayback device of claim 1, wherein the at least one non-transitorycomputer-readable medium further comprises program instructions that areexecutable by the one or more processors such that the first playbackdevice is configured to: determine that the first playback device hasceased forwarding the audio content for a pre-determined period of time,wherein the first playback device causes the first playback device toexit the second mode and enter the first mode based on thedetermination.
 8. A system comprising a first playback device and asecond playback device, the first playback device comprising: a firstcommunications interface; one or more first processors; a first audioamplifier; and at least one first non-transitory computer-readablemedium comprising first program instructions that are executable by theone or more first processors such that the first playback device isconfigured to: receive, while the audio amplifier is in a first mode, afirst packet via the communications interface, wherein the audioamplifier consumes less power in the first mode than the audio amplifierconsumes in an second mode; after receiving the first packet, cause thefirst playback device to exit the first mode and enter the second mode,wherein the program instructions that are executable by the one or moreprocessors such that the first playback device is configured to causethe first playback device to enter the second mode comprise programinstructions that are executable by the one or more processors such thatthe first playback device is configured to enable the audio amplifier ofthe first playback device; while the first playback device is in thesecond mode, (i) receive, via the communications interface, an audiostream comprising audio content; (ii) forward, via the communicationsinterface, the audio content to a second playback device; and (iii) playback, via the audio amplifier, the audio content in synchrony with thesecond playback device; cease forwarding the audio content to the secondplayback device; and after the cessation of forwarding the audio contentto the second playback device, cause the first playback device to exitthe second mode and enter the first mode; and wherein the secondplayback device comprises: a second communications interface; one ormore second processors; a second audio amplifier; and at least one firstnon-transitory computer-readable medium comprising second programinstructions that are executable by the one or more second processorssuch that the second playback device is configured to: play back, viathe second audio amplifier, the audio content in synchrony with thefirst playback device.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the at leastone first non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprisesfirst program instructions that are executable by the one or more firstprocessors such that the first playback device is configured to:synchronize, via the first communications interface, the playback of theaudio content in a group with the second playback device.
 10. The systemof claim 8, wherein the first program instructions that are executableby the one or more first processors such that the first playback deviceis configured to play back the audio content in synchrony with thesecond playback device comprise first program instructions that areexecutable by the one or more first processors such that the firstplayback device is configured to: play back the audio content insynchrony with the second playback device and at least one additionalplayback device.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the first programinstructions that are executable by the one or more first processorssuch that the first playback device is configured to play back the audiocontent in synchrony with the second playback device comprise firstprogram instructions that are executable by the one or more firstprocessors such that the first playback device is configured to: playback at least one first channel of the audio content in synchrony withplayback of at least one second channel of the audio content by thesecond playback device.
 12. The system of claim 8, wherein the firstprogram instructions that are executable by the one or more firstprocessors such that the first playback device is configured to enterthe first mode comprise first program instructions that are executableby the one or more first processors such that the first playback deviceis configured to: disable the first audio amplifier.
 13. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the first program instructions that are executable bythe one or more first processors such that the first playback device isconfigured to cause the first playback device to enter the second modecomprise program instructions that are executable by the one or moreprocessors such that the first playback device is configured to: causeat least one first processor of the one or more first processors toenable a sleep mode.
 14. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least onefirst non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprises firstprogram instructions that are executable by the one or more firstprocessors such that the first playback device is configured to:determine that the first playback device has ceased forwarding the audiocontent for a pre-determined period of time, wherein the first playbackdevice causes the first playback device to exit the second mode andenter the first mode based on the determination.
 15. The system of claim8, wherein the at least one second non-transitory computer-readablemedium further comprises second program instructions that are executableby the one or more second processors such that the second playbackdevice is configured to: after receiving the audio content, determinethat the second playback device is no longer forwarding the audiocontent; and after the determination, exit the second mode and enter thefirst mode, wherein the program instructions that are executable by theone or more second processors such that the second playback device isconfigured to enter the first mode comprise program instructions thatare executable by the one or more second processors such that the secondplayback device is configured to disable the second audio amplifier ofthe second playback device.
 16. A method to be performed by a firstplayback device, the method comprising: while the audio amplifier is ina first mode, receiving, via the communications interface, a firstpacket, wherein the audio amplifier consumes less power in the firstmode than the audio amplifier consumes in an second mode; afterreceiving the first packet, causing the first playback device to exitthe first mode and enter the second mode, wherein the programinstructions that are executable by the one or more processors such thatthe first playback device is configured to cause the first playbackdevice to enter the second mode comprise program instructions that areexecutable by the one or more processors such that the first playbackdevice is configured to enable the audio amplifier of the first playbackdevice; while the first playback device is in the second mode, (i)receiving, via the communications interface, an audio stream comprisingaudio content; (ii) forwarding, via the communications interface, theaudio content to a second playback device; and (iii) playing back, viathe audio amplifier, the audio content in synchrony with the secondplayback device; ceasing forwarding the audio content to the secondplayback device; and after the ceasing of forwarding the audio contentto the second playback device, causing the first playback device to exitthe second mode and enter the first mode.
 17. The method of claim 16,further comprising: synchronizing, via the communications interface, theplayback of the audio content in a group with the second playbackdevice.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein playing back the audiocontent in synchrony with the second playback device comprises: playingback the audio content in synchrony with the second playback device andat least one additional playback device.
 19. The method of claim 16,wherein playing back the audio content in synchrony with the secondplayback device comprises: playing back at least one first channel ofthe audio content in synchrony with playback of at least one secondchannel of the audio content by the second playback device.
 20. Themethod of claim 16, wherein entering the first mode comprises: causingat least one processor of the one or more processors to enable a sleepmode.